28 May 2025

28 May 25 - It's That Time Of Year Again On Brownsea - Part 2

The previous Blog Post focused on the first Black-headed Gull chicks on the DWT Brownsea islands. The next species to hatch, on the islands in front of the hides, are the Sandwich Terns. The first Sandwich Terns had hatched just before my previous volunteering Wednesday. However, due to the inclement and cold weather, the chicks remained out of sight on my brief visit to the Tern hide. I was able to spend a bit more time in this hide on my next visit. The weather was better and there were more chicks on view.
Sandwich Tern: One of the chicks enjoying exploring the better weather
Sandwich Tern: Some of the Sandwich Terns were still incubating
If you have the time, the Tern hide is a great location to try and get some flight shots as the Sandwich Terns fly in with Sand Eels. However, leave it too late and they start dropping below the fences, which are there to stop the Sika Deer from getting onto the islands to graze the vegetation.
Sandwich Tern: Returning with a Sand Eel
Sandwich Tern
Sandwich Tern: Air brakes applied
Sandwich Tern: This individual won't be popular coming in without a Sand Eel
It would be possible to spend hours watching the Sandwich Terns. However, my free time on Brownsea is more limited, as there are always a number of other volunteering activities to focus on. Plus, the Sandwich Terns are always very noisy.